Every number system has a base - the number of unique digits it uses. Decimal (base 10) is what we use daily. But computers use binary (base 2), and programmers often use hexadecimal (base 16) as a compact way to represent binary data.
Our Number Base Converter lets you enter a number in any base and instantly see it converted to binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal. Just pick the input base, type your number, and all four results update in real time.
When You'd Use Each Base
- Binary (2) - The language of computers. Every piece of data is ultimately binary. Used for bit manipulation, networking (IP addresses), and low-level programming.
- Octal (8) - Used in Unix file permissions (
chmod 755), some programming contexts, and as a compact alternative to binary. - Decimal (10) - Everyday numbers. Humans think in decimal.
- Hexadecimal (16) - The most common base in programming after decimal. Used for color codes (
#FF5733), memory addresses, and representing binary data compactly.
How Conversion Works
All conversions go through decimal as an intermediate step. The input is parsed in its base, converted to a decimal integer, then that decimal value is converted to each of the other bases. This is the same approach most programming languages use internally.
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